In European history, in which year did the French Revolution begin in France?

Introduction / Context:
The French Revolution is one of the most important turning points in modern history, transforming France from an absolute monarchy to a new political order based on the ideas of liberty and equality. Exams often test your memory of the year in which this revolution began, because it is a basic anchor date for many later events in European and world history.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question asks for the year when the French Revolution started. • We are dealing with the main outbreak of revolutionary events in France. • The options are the years 1786, 1787, 1788, 1789 and 1790. • It is assumed that the learner knows key events like the fall of the Bastille in July 1789.

Concept / Approach:
While there were earlier financial problems, intellectual debates and political tensions, the French Revolution is conventionally said to have begun in 1789. In that year, the Estates General met, the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, and on 14 July 1789 the storming of the Bastille took place. Thus, even though the crisis built up over several years, 1789 is the standard starting date used in textbooks and exams.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the famous event of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July, which happened in 1789. Step 2: Remember that the Estates General meeting and the Tennis Court Oath also took place in the same year. Step 3: Recognise that 1789 is therefore seen as the formal beginning of the French Revolution. Step 4: Match this year with the list of options provided. Step 5: Choose 1789 as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
History timelines around the world mention 1789 as the year of the French Revolution, alongside other key dates such as 1776 for the American Declaration of Independence and 1917 for the Russian Revolution. If you check descriptions of Bastille Day, you will also find it linked directly to 14 July 1789, confirming that 1789 is the accepted starting year of the revolution in France.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1786, 1787, 1788: These years saw financial crises and reform attempts in France, but the actual outbreak of the revolution is not dated to these years. 1790: By 1790 the revolution was already underway; important measures had already been taken in 1789, so this is too late to be called the starting year.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse the long preparation of revolutionary ideas with the formal starting point of the revolution itself. While philosophers like Rousseau and Voltaire wrote much earlier, the exam oriented date of the revolution is firmly 1789. Remembering the link between Bastille Day and 1789 is a reliable way to keep this year fixed in your memory.

Final Answer:
The French Revolution began in the year 1789.